Leamington Royal Spa Centre Rescheduled 29 May 09

[grant]

Hi Dave

I think that was what I was trying to say in my post. and I fully agree with everything you said. Trouble was, one minute everyone was happily snapping the girls at the table and the next, they were lined up against the wall giggling.

In hindsight (if only we could be born with it! ) someone should have got the attention of those remaining and wanting photo's whilst Steve (perhaps with Hayley) could have been left to set up the shot.

I've done many cast photo calls for various theatre groups in my time and even with pre-arrangement they can be a nightmare. The results on Friday weren't exactly what was hoped for, but they were fun pictures nontheless.

Best wishes
Grant

[postscript]

That's a lovely picture Karsten where she has her full length of hair wrapped round the back of her neck so it falls all on one side. It leaves her face completely clear on one side while gaining the benefit of a full length of hair. That is a superb portrait.

Peter S.

[roger]

Thanks to Karsten for the excellent photographs, two of which need some explanation...

This is how you play an invisible harmonica



That's odd, I'm sure there is an E flat here somewhere!

Roger

[postscript]

Hi Dave, your suggestion was one in my mind at the time the problem arose but I wrote nothing as I felt it was really something that ought to come from the management side rather than 'just' a member.

However, picking up on Roger's comments, I think this is something we need to sort out perhaps 'at the time' (depending upon who is there) and between ourselves and not bother Bedlam's people with. Pre-arrangements may be okay so we all know in advance but supposing that is the time that individual goes sick or whose train is late? I'm ducking out... the last thing I would want is to be the official guy who suddenly finds his battery's gone flat!

Peter S.

[grant]

Hello everyone

Well, I guess between us we can keep this thread going for a little bit longer! :wink: Here are a few more from the hour long signing session from me.

Best wishes
Grant

[Richard]

Alison Balsom pinched my trumpet at the Royal Albert Hall!

Richard

[Steve H]

A few more from me, all that is left now is the 'Rogues Gallery' which I will post tonight.

Steve H

[thomas]

Hi all!

Thank you Grant, Keith and Mark for the great reports and Grant, Steve, Mark and Karsten for the pictures.

I came back home Saturday evening and haven't found much time to spend online so far. But my report and a few pictures will follow soon.

Best wishes,
Thomas

[simon]

Hello folks,

All these picture are wonderful! I credit our fantastic photographers! Looked like an amazing evening and Hayley looked beautiful as usual.

Simon

[keithp]

There are some very nice images here, well done to all in question.

I must admit I sometimes worry about the number of people we have trying to take shots at signings as I think some of the non-forum members, who are taking, for them, an unusual chance to meet Hayley, may think it's a bit strange. I also think it can be a bit much snapping away in Hayley's face so much, I would hate for us to being taking advantage of her good nature.

I admit I had a compact at the Glasgow show recently but only took a handful of snaps at the signing because there were already 3 or 4 snapping away. I would love to shoot Hayley with the SLR but the only time I have done that was at last year's Lincoln show because I felt I could get 'live' images without distracting anyone.

This is not intended as a criticism of anyone, just raising a concern.

[grant]

Hi Keith and everyone.

You will see from many of the images here that Hayley is quite happy to be photographed - even in extreme close-up. As for those meeting her for the first time, I'm sure they would be well aware of the attention celebrities like Hayley receive and, speaking for myself, I always work with the opportunities available. A prime concern of mine is always to ensure that I don't spoil anyone's enjoyment of meeting Hayley for, possibly, the first time.

Here are the last from me for today - a few 'special' ones to follow tomorrow i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best wishes
Grant

[roger]

Jun 1, 2009 17:40:25 GMT keithp said:

I must admit I sometimes worry about the number of people we have trying to take shots at signings as I think some of the non-forum members, who are taking, for them, an unusual chance to meet Hayley, may think it's a bit strange. I also think it can be a bit much snapping away in Hayley's face so much, I would hate for us to being taking advantage of her good nature.

Hi Keith,

Thank you for expressing your concerns because it gives me the opportunity to summarise the situation as I see it and, hopefully, to allay your fears.

With regard to the members of the public who witness our photographers in action, they probably assume that they are from the local press or that they are present in some official capacity. These signing sessions are given by Hayley for the benefit of her fans and the non-forum members' opportunity is not restricted or delayed by our presence.

Hayley is aware of the amount of photographs that our members are likely to take and, as far as I know, is quite comfortable with that. On numerous occasions, she has gone out of her way to see us or has had us called back as we are leaving the venue. She wouldn't do that if she had any reservations. I have also told her (and her managers) that, if ever she isn't happy with anything we do, she can always have a quiet word with me, or get someone at Bedlam to email me. That has only happened once (which proves she is not affraid to do so) but it had nothing to do with photography or with the behaviour of any of our members at any meeting.

All in all, I think everyone taking photgraphs should bear in mind that there are at least half a dozen doing exactly the same thing and that it could potentially become a little too much for her but I don't think we need be unduly concerned because all the signs suggest that she is happy with what we are doing.

Roger

[Steve H]

Here is the last from me, a collection of fine fellows having their photo taken with Hayley. The first is Michael, who I met for the first time in Leamington, I was able to arrange for Michael to have his photo taken with Hayley for which he was very grateful.

Roger with Hayley



Grant with Hayley



Mark with Hayley



Finally Me with Hayley (Thanks to Karsten)

Steve H [/size]

[Andrew]

Jun 1, 2009 17:40:25 GMT keithp said:

There are some very nice images here, well done to all in question.

I must admit I sometimes worry about the number of people we have trying to take shots at signings as I think some of the non-forum members, who are taking, for them, an unusual chance to meet Hayley, may think it's a bit strange. I also think it can be a bit much snapping away in Hayley's face so much, I would hate for us to being taking advantage of her good nature.

I admit I had a compact at the Glasgow show recently but only took a handful of snaps at the signing because there were already 3 or 4 snapping away. I would love to shoot Hayley with the SLR but the only time I have done that was at last year's Lincoln show because I felt I could get 'live' images without distracting anyone.

This is not intended as a criticism of anyone, just raising a concern.

Hi Keith and everybody else,

I agree with what Keith has to say here and would like to support what he has to say... I personally believe that the phrase "less is more..." is applicable here- in terms of photographs... Too many "full on" zoomed in photographs of Hayley's face (no matter how beautiful it is! ) can seem rather intrusive! Some members of 'HWI' could very likely exercise more discretion in future both in terms of the number of photographs which they are publicly seen to be taking at events and also the number of photographs which are subsequently posted up on the Forum.

Whilst the enthusiasm and dedication of all the 'HWI' photographers (and their good taste of subject matter - Hayley!) is great, rather a lot of photographs which look somewhat similar (although some very impressive!) have been posted in this thread and a few other threads alike!

Roger, now to address your point... as Hayley is a very polite and tolerant person, it is probably unlikely and that she is going to make any passing comments to 'HWI' about the sheer volume of photographs of her which are taken at shows and posted on here. That's not to say that she doesn't have her own private thoughts on the matter though, is it? Surely Hayley would expect us to use our own common sense and exercise discretion in this matter... without having to guide us? Hmm...

Andrew

[martindn]

Well, re photography, I have to ask the question how many photographers do we need? I know many of us like to take photos when we can, but one properly organised series of photos could be made available to everyone anyway. So it would be up to the members present to agree on a photographer, probably Steve if he is there. Dave, I don't know what criteria we would use to decide who was the "most senior member present" and I don't think we want to get into that.
The resulting photos by the nominated "official photographer" would be posted here. And another idea, could possibly put together a DVD of official photos at full quality, perhaps from several concerts at a time, and sell them to anyone interested with the proceeds going to one of Hayley's charities (if it is a charity concert it would be nice to support the cause that is is in aid of). It would be interesting to know how many members would be willing to support something like that.
Obviously we would have to allow time for other members and non-members to take their photos as well. But if we explained what we were doing, and that it was all for a good cause I doubt many would object to the short delay that would be involved. We could even use it to spread the word about HWI among the non-members present.

Martin